San francisco

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

This isn’t true, not if you look a little bit that is. Just don’t play into the obviously tourist trap parking lots/garages, park a block or two away from your destination, and you’ll be fine.

In the many, many times I’ve been down there, most have been with a rental, and I’ve never found it to be astronomical or even that much different than carting yourself via Uber/Lyft.

It’s just different than Calgary, but having a rental car down there isn’t a bad idea by any means whatsoever.

It can be done, but for most places in San Francisco proper it's less convenient and more expensive than public transit/ride sharing. For Napa/redwoods etc sure, but there are days worth of stuff inside SF for a tourist.

Also, as a non-local tapping the Uber app when you're ready to go us easier/less research than driving around looking or pre-researching decent parking everywhere.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

It can be done, but for most places in San Francisco proper it's less convenient and more expensive than public transit/ride sharing. For Napa/redwoods etc sure, but there are days worth of stuff inside SF for a tourist.

Also, as a non-local tapping the Uber app when you're ready to go us easier/less research than driving around looking or pre-researching decent parking everywhere.

True. I suppose my point was that whichever you choose, you won’t be hard done by. A rental let’s you explore some of the wonderful areas outside the city, but you won’t be hard done by in it, while relying on public transit and ride sharing is more than sufficient should you decide to stay fairly local.

[rohara66]

Renting a car in San Fransisco is total waste of money and completely unnecessary. Traffic is not good, parking is expensive/limited and taking transit/uber is easier and usually quicker.

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

This isn’t true, not if you look a little bit that is. Just don’t play into the obviously tourist trap parking lots/garages, park a block or two away from your destination, and you’ll be fine.

Notice how anyone suggesting a car failed to mention that? First time visitors with family generally aren't going to be thinking that. And most people who visit cities are used to just getting a car as part of the trip and that just generally isn't necessary in SF. It can be a huge, unnecessary expense going in if people aren't aware of how difficult and costly parking can be vs. how easy it is to get around without one there.

Not a bad idea, just not anywhere close to a necessity or as much of a convenience like it is in other cities.

I go often, and if I'm planning day trips around the area I'll get a car for a day or so. It's just not necessary to have one for an entire trip, especially for first time visitors who generally plan to spend most of their time in the city.

[CliffFletcher]

CliffFletcher's #1 rule of vacations: A day of vacation when you don't drive a car is a good day of vacation.

[troutman]

If you are fit and not traveling with children or seniors, SF is very walkable.


From AT&T park to Fisherman's Wharf is 2.75 miles.


From Ashbury/Haight to Fisherman's Wharf is 4.2 miles.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Jbo

Just got back from San Fran with my wife and 1 year old daughter:
- Use UBER or LYFT when you land. Pickup is terminal one of departures. Much cheaper and easier then cabs
- we stayed at the Hotel Zephyr. Can’t beat the location and hotel was pretty nice. No pool, but a block from the pier. Price was good for San Fran (220ish)
- Try and catch a Giants game. Seriously was the best part of the trip. Even if not a baseball fan, it was one of the best stadiums I have been too.
-try and get out on the Bay. We did a 2 hour one for ~60 American. If the weather is good, it’s an amazing experience
- you can hit most of the tourist stuff in a day. Golden Gate, Lombard Street, Pier 39, Coit Tower.

What did you do for a carseat with Uber/Lyft? Did you bring one or did they supply it?

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by troutman

If you are fit and not traveling with children or seniors, SF is very walkable.


From AT&T park to Fisherman's Wharf is 2.75 miles.


From Ashbury/Haight to Fisherman's Wharf is 4.2 miles.

On the other hand, a walk in San Francisco generally feels like its twice as long, since it will be uphill on both ways.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

On the other hand, a walk in San Francisco generally fees like its twice as long, since it will be uphill on both ways.

True, but you are at sea level.

[Jbo]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

What did you do for a carseat with Uber/Lyft? Did you bring one or did they supply it?

UBER will send a car with a car seat if you specify that, but they are only front facing. We had our own and just clipped in the base. (My daughter is 11.5 months old)

[Matata]

Is people pooping on the sidewalks actually a thing one would notice?

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by Matata

Is people pooping on the sidewalks actually a thing one would notice?

It's not like it is piles everywhere but you'll come across it walking around like a normal tourist. It's not like it'll wreck a holiday or anything.

Just be thankful you don't have to work on or repair the escalators. The break down because they get clogged full of ####.

[GGG]

And if you have to ride an elevator stay near the door as the back of the elevator are urianls.

The city slogan is "San Francisco, the city is your toilet"